dsRNA killer systems in yeast

摘要: Killer yeasts, first identified by Bevan and Makower (1963), secrete proteinaceous toxins which kill other, sensitive yeasts. It is now more than a decade since the cytoplasmic determinants associated with killing phenomenon were shown to be encapsidated dsRNA molecules. was originally demonstrated that only two major species of molecule involved — L M dsRNAs. Since then plethora literature has emerged identifying or reporting existence whole range species. Some these have been named, are, in decreasing size order, XL, LBC LA (co- closely migrating species), T, W M. Despite this apparent increase complexity system, there evidence for one genome, LA, genome being killer phenomenon. No links ‘other’ species, LBC, T system. However, not, unlike 5.9-kb intermediates yeast Ty elements, implicated any other they will considered here. The involvement genomes beyond doubt. dsRNAs encode their own capsid polypeptide, dsRNA. toxin immunity function.